Content creation can be as simple as we make it, but if you truly want to make your content stand out, you’ll need the right tools to do it. Visually pleasing lighting and quality audio can go a long way to legitimizing your work and giving it a pro level feel. In this guide, we’ve put together a few kits ranging from budget friendly to higher end and everything in between.
Best Budget Kit
It’s said that the best camera is the one you have available. Odds are, you likely have a smartphone, so that’s our budget camera. Most modern smartphones are quite capable at recording high quality video, so long as we don’t need to zoom in. Of course, there are things our phones can’t do, but if we’re looking to keep things budget friendly, work with what you’ve got!
Audio is an area where we can improve our content, is audio. A dedicated microphone is the key to clean audio and the closer our mic is to the source of the sound, the better quality of our recording. Our pick is the RODE Wireless Micro 2-Person Ultracompact Wireless Microphone System, which comes with two transmitters as well as a USB-C receiver, which is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The components pair automatically and provide reliable transmission at a range up to 328’.
Our next challenge is supporting our phone. Now, for any studio creator setup, you’re going to need a tripod. Unfortunately, this is not an area where we can skimp, as a solid base that can safely support our kit is essential. The SLIK U8800L Aluminum Tripod is the perfect blend of price and durability, and with an additional connector, you can easily mount your phone.
Alternatively, our lighting solution can support our phone on its own. One of the best budget friendly offerings in this area is the 18” Godox LR150 Bi-Color LED Ring light. This light comes with a smartphone connector, but it itself needs to be supported by a light stand. For stationary or table-top setups, the Impact Tabletop Light Stand is a great tool with a small footprint. That said, a full-sized stand is essential for nearly any other use-case, so the Impact Air-Cushioned Light Stand may be the more versatile option.
For a truly travel-friendly kit, consider the SmallRig All-in-One Video Kit for Smartphone Creators. This features a universal magnetic cage for your smartphone, which allows the attachment of included accessories like side handles, a light, external storage and of course, a microphone. You can even make your own kit using the basic edition of the cage, so long as you provide your own tripod, mic, and light if needed.
Best Mid-Level Kit
Our travel kit could honestly work with any of the cameras in this guide, depending on what you’re comfortable carrying around. Many aspiring creators gravitate towards popular cameras like the Canon G7X Mark III, which offers 4K video shooting alongside an impressive lineup of still photography features. One downside of this camera is that it’s almost always backordered.
Equally pocketable is the Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Camera. This camera offers a vlogging centric design and UHD 4K 30p recording, as well as the handy Background Defocus feature, which simulates the look of portrait mode in your phone. Additionally, the camera features a fully articulated flip-out screen, so you can see the shot as you record!
Another feature that is essential when recording is a microphone input. Unlike our phones, cameras generally require a dedicated 3.5mm input jack to accommodate an external mic, and the ZV1F offers just that. Our microphone choice in this category is the compact and lightweight second generation Sennheiser MKE 400 directional shotgun microphone. This microphone offers a 100-hour run time, built-in wind protection and a three-stage gain control so you can optimize the sound of your recording right there in the mic.
For a lavalier setup, we turn to the DJI Mic 3 Compact Wireless Microphone System. This is available individually or in a two-mic kit depending on your specific needs. This system offers easy connection to camera, iOS, or Android devices, two level noise cancellation modes for cleaner audio, and an astounding range of 1312’, though we don’t imagine that last point will be entirely necessary.
Next up, let’s talk about lighting. You could certainly continue to use a ring light for more stationary shoots, but once you’re out and about, we need to worry about excess bulk. Luckily Zhiyun managed to pack the power of a large studio light into the relatively portable MOLUS X100 RGB Pro Pocket Light. This battery powered light offers incredible power in a portable setup, with 34-minutes of full battery power and a variety of lighting FX.
To better the spread and softness of your light output, consider using a light modifier like a softbox. These are just one light shaping tool we can use, but the most practical. Just be sure to make sure it is compatible with your light system. In this case, the Zhiyun Parabolic Softbox 60D, and subsequently their MOLUS lights, use the universal Bowens Mount.
Alternatively, a two light kit might be a better option, offering a well-balanced look. The GVM 800D-RGB LED Panel kit comes with two lights, 7’ stands, a soft diffuser, and a set of barndoors. These can be controlled via the GVM App or using the on-board panel. For greater control, you can make use of GVM’s Softbox 500 to further diffuse and soften the light output.
The only thing left to add to our kit is a tripod. In this case, we’ve found a relatively low priced, yet rock solid option in the Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Lite Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. This tripod can support up to 11 lbs. while weighing just under 3 lbs. itself thanks to its carbon fiber construction. The only possible drawback to this tripod for creators is the ball head, but let’s be real. Most creators use a stationary setup anyway, plus this is a better hybrid option for any photos you may want to take.
Best Overall Kit
One of the best content creation cameras available is the Canon Powershot V1. Unlike the G7X Mark III, this camera has been designed with video content in mind, meaning it sports the features you’d expect like a fully articulated rear LCD, 4K recording in both 30p (full width) and 60p (with crop), as well as 10-bit recording in Canon Log 3. Additionally, Canon has implemented an active cooling system to extend shooting time.
When it comes to audio, we once again have two avenues to choose from. For an on-camera solution, the Rode Videomic NTG is a great option. You can also go for the lavalier setup, especially if you’re working with two or more speakers. The DJI Mic 3 Compact Wireless System has quickly become a popular option with its low-profile design. However, both RODE and SmallRig have similar offerings, with RODE’s Wireless Go Gen 3 mics being one of the easiest to set up.
We feel that the MOLUS X100 is still a valid option for the size-saving reasons alone, but itss older brother, the Zhiyun MOLUS G300, delivers the power of a studio light at the quarter of their size. While not as travel friendly with a reliance on AC power, studio shooters will benefit from its bright output and features like the overclocked MAX Extreme mode that increases the light’s peak output to 500W. Like the X100, this light is also controllable via a mobile app, but unlike the X100, this light requires a light stand in most if not all situations.
The V1 isn’t all that heavy, but if we want to start experimenting with various shot types, you’ll need a tripod that offers greater control than the versatile ball head. That may sound counterintuitive, but most video shooters prefer a pan/tilt head, as these offer more controlled panning motions. The SmallRig Portable Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Kit may be a bit over kill, but this ensures a stable platform even if you eventually choose to upgrade to a mirrorless camera system.
Best High-End Kit
The Panasonic Lumix L10 Digital Camera carries on the brand’s legacy as a top performer in the video sphere, offering 5.6K 60p recording and slow motion 4K 120p, all stabilized by ER Optical Image Stabilization. But hold on, a keen eye may say that this camera has a smaller imaging sensor than the V1 and thus must be an inferior camera! If there’s one camera specification fun fact to remember, it’s that sensor size isn’t everything.
After all, the L10 has many features other cameras in this guide lack, like 4K 120p slow motion recording and a high 5.6K resolution. Where the L10 really has the advantage, is in hybrid shooting. Unlike the V1, the LUMIX has an EVF. This makes it easier to shoot photos sure, but also great when faced with bright, sunny conditions where seeing the rear LCD can be difficult. Additionally, this camera may have the best lens on the list with the Leica 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 which has an effective focal range of 24-75mm.
Now, audio is where we get a bit redundant. Either of the mics in the above category would work great here as well, but if you want a solid in-studio option as well, the Blue Yeti USB-C microphone is the way to go. This simple, yet powerful microphone is the preferred microphone for streaming, podcasting, and even ASMR. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and mobile devices, plus it comes equipped with multiple recording modes to best suit your individual needs. Pair this with any of the above lavalier or shotgun mics as a travel mic, and you’ve got a versatile kit for nearly any situation.
You can give your mobile content a more polished look by using something like the RODE Lavalier GO Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with the Wireless GO system, but we know that showing those blocky mics on your lapel can be part of the aesthetic. In the studio, a good microphone stand can aid you in placing a larger mic like the Yeti just out of frame if you choose to do so.
So how can we best our previous lighting setups? Why, adding more lights of course. Above, we touched upon this when talking about creating a balanced look with dual light panel kits. Now, we can add a third light to the equation as a backlight. For ease of use and efficiency’s sake, we always recommend using multiples of the same lights, however, in this case, we can make some sacrifices. For instance, if you’re using a pair of MOLUS G300 lights as your fill lights, a MOLUS X100 is perfectly suitable for your backlight, since it doesn’t need to be as powerful.
Tripods are also hard to improve upon, at least for compact cameras. Larger rigs benefit from the smooth, resistant movements of a fluid head, but put any of these smaller cameras atop one and the appearance is comical. The only thing we may be able to improve upon is durability and portability, and what better choice than the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. Folded, this strong, fast-deployment tripod is just 15.5”.
Mix and Match
We understand that not every creator has the same needs as the next, so consider what’s more important for your shoot. After all, these are not complete bundles, rather combinations of gear that can be mixed and matched based on your needs. If you’re going to primarily shoot outdoors in bright daylight hours, lighting isn’t as important to your style. You might be better off going for a better microphone.
Of course, don’t forget to stock up on batteries, memory cards, and all the essentials. Video eats up a lot more power than still photography, and there’s no worse feeling than making it out to a destination only to have a dead battery halfway through the outing. As for memory cards, make sure you have a card capable of recording the speeds and resolutions your camera demands.
What’s most important to remember is that it’s not the gear that makes the content, it’s the creator. Be yourself, have fun, and make the content you want to make. The gear only gives it that refined look and sound. If you want to learn more about content creation and the gear that makes it all happen, check out our other guides on the B&H Explora site!
